ON THIS DAY IN BLACK ENTERTAINMENT

9/11/2013, 12:08 p.m.

Larry Graham spent many years as a member of Sly & the Family Stone
Photo by Ray Robinson

The sexy and sultry singer, dancer, actress Lola Falana was born in 1942. She turns 71 years old today. Falana was discovered by the great, Sammy Davis, Jr.

On this past Sunday, Serena Williams won her 5th U.S. Open and her 17th Grand Slam. She won the U.S. Open on this date in 1999 becoming only the second African-American woman to have done so. Althea Gibson was the first. She accomplished the feat in 1958.

One of today’s rising female stars of film and television, Taraji P. Henson turns 43 today. She was born in 1970.

Super-duper rapper, Ludacris, was born on this date in 1977. Luda is 36 today. Ludacris’ real name is Chris Bridges.

In 1968, Sly and the Family Stone bass player, Larry Graham was busted for possession of marijuana as the band arrived in London to start their UK tour.

The much appreciated animated series starring the Jackson Five premiered on ABC television in 1971. The Saturday morning cartoon only had a two-year run.

Mega-star, Michael Jackson appeared in concert at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool England. More than 3,000 fans were treated for passing out after being crushed in the crowd of over 125,00 during his Bad Tour in 1988.

Armed robbers burst into the home of Peter Tosh, the founding father of the reggae group, The Wailers. Tosh was killed after suffering a gunshot wound and died on this day in 1987.

In 1997, Blues guitarist, John Lee Hooker received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his many contributions to the instrument and to the music form itself.

In 1987, the Purple One, better known as the “symbol” or as “the Artist formerly known as Prince, opened up his Paisley Park Studios. Prince was from Minneapolis.